Loma Linda University School of Dentistry Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLUSD) is a distinguished institution committed to providing a comprehensive dental education within a Christian environment. Rooted in values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom, and self-control, LLUSD aims to cultivate well-rounded dental professionals equipped to thrive in the evolving healthcare landscape.

History and Mission

The genesis of LLUSD can be traced back to 1943, when a group of dentists envisioned a Seventh-day Adventist Church-sponsored dental school. Their vision materialized through the efforts of the National Association of Seventh-day Adventist Dentists (NASDAD) and the leadership of figures like Dr. J. Russell Mitchell and Dr. M. Webster Prince. In 1951, the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists authorized the establishment of the School of Dentistry as part of Loma Linda University's School of Medicine, with Dr. Prince serving as the first dean.

LLUSD's mission extends beyond academic excellence; it seeks to enrich local and global communities through service. The school actively engages in community outreach initiatives, providing dental care to underserved populations both domestically and internationally.

Academic Programs

LLUSD offers a diverse array of programs catering to various educational and career aspirations within the field of dentistry. These programs include:

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

The DDS program is the cornerstone of LLUSD's academic offerings, providing students with a comprehensive foundation in dental science, clinical skills, and patient care. The curriculum integrates evidence-based education with advanced electronic resources, ensuring students are well-prepared for contemporary dental practice.

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International Dentist Program (IDP)

Founded in 1985 by Dr. Lloyd Baum, the International Dentist Program is tailored for qualified dentists educated outside the United States. This intensive, 24-month program enables international dentists to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, meeting the educational requirements for dental licensure in many states. The IDP curriculum includes a series of Clinical Orientation courses (IDPC 815, IDPC 816, IDPC 817) designed to introduce the electronic patient record, review radiology safety, discuss professional liability, and introduce clinical regulatory compliance in dentistry.

IDP Course Highlights:

IDPC 815: Clinical Orientation I - IDP: Introduces the electronic patient record, reviews radiology safety, discusses professional liability, and introduces clinical regulatory compliance in dentistry.
IDPC 816: Clinical Orientation II - IDP: Builds on IDPC 815, continuing instruction related to the electronic patient record, discussing patient-management techniques, treatment planning, practice-management issues, clinic policies, and infection control.
IDPC 817: Clinical Orientation III - IDP: Further expands on previous courses, bridging the transition from preclinical to clinical experience and discussing long-term assessment of care outcomes and professional relationships.

The IDP curriculum also includes courses such as:

IDPO 720: Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.
IDPO 725: Patient Assessment and Data Management II.
IDPO 726: Patient Diagnosis and Treatment Planning.
IDPO 826 & IDPO 827: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
IDPP 754: Fundamentals of Periodontics.
IDPP 756 & IDPP 756L: Pediatric Dentistry and its associated laboratory component.
IDPR 701 & IDPR 702: Operative Dentistry I & II.
IDPR 761, IDPR 762, & IDPR 763: Removable Prosthodontics I, II, & III.
IDPR 771 & IDPR 772: Fixed Prosthodontics I & II.
IDPR 854: Implant Dentistry for the IDP Student.

Advanced Dental Education Programs

LLUSD offers advanced dental education programs in various specialty and non-specialty disciplines, leading to postdoctoral certificates, Master of Science (MS), and Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) degrees. These programs aim to integrate advanced clinical training with applied basic science and research. The disciplines include:

Endodontics
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Pediatric Dentistry
Periodontics
Prosthodontics
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Implant Dentistry
Dental Anesthesiology

These programs comply with the standards of the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association, meeting the requirements of the respective specialty boards. The duration of residency varies depending on the program. Stipends are provided in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pediatric Dentistry programs.

Combined DDS/MA in Bioethics Program

This program combines the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with a Master of Arts in Bioethics, designed for DDS students interested in ethical issues in dentistry. The program requires 48 units of credit and aims to establish LLUSD as a leading institution in dental ethics.

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Dental Hygiene Program

The Dental Hygiene program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree, preparing graduates for various careers in dental hygiene. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in preventive oral healthcare, clinical skills, and patient education.

Dental Assisting Program

A dental assisting curriculum was developed in 1968, with the first class graduating in 1969 with an Associate in Science degree. This program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to assist dentists in providing patient care.

Admissions Requirements

General Requirements

Applicants to LLUSD programs must meet specific requirements, including:

Transcripts: Official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended are required. Transcripts received by LLU become the property of LLU and will not be returned or forwarded.
Grade Point Average (GPA): A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is generally required for admission to advanced programs, with no grade below 2.0. The minimum GPA for the DDS program is 2.7.
National Board Examinations: Applicants must pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) or have passed both NBDE Part I and II.
English Language Skills: Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A score of 100 or above is highly recommended, with a minimum score of 20 in each area. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.
Letters of Recommendation: Two to three letters of recommendation are required, preferably from former teachers or mentors who can attest to the applicant's character, conduct, and professional ability. One letter should come from former teachers or mentors who can attest to applicant’s character, conduct and professional ability. Members of the applicant's family are excluded from writing the required letters.
Personal Statement: A completed personal statement is required.
Shadowing Hours: Applicants are required to complete shadowing hours (50 hours required, 100 hours recommended).
Supplemental Application: A supplemental application is required, with a deadline for submission.

Additional Requirements for Advanced Programs

Dental License: Applicants for the Advanced Education Program in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery must have a California Dental License.
International Dentist Program Completion: Graduates from non-ADA-accredited dental schools applying to the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics must complete an accredited International Dentist Program.
GRE Scores: The Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics program requires applicants to take the GRE.
National Board Medical Examination (NBME): Applicants for the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program who took the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Part I after January 1, 2012, must take the National Board Medical Examination (NBME) Comprehensive Basic Science Examination.

Requirements for Master of Science Degrees

Applicants for the Master of Science (MS) degree must hold an appropriate degree from an accredited college or university.
A doctoral degree in dentistry (Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine) or the equivalent is required for admission to all programs.
Applicants must complete a Loma Linda University online Application for Admission and a Form A (Petition for Admission to Candidacy).
The master's degree thesis must be completed, defended, and accepted in final form by both the graduate program and the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Applicants must undertake scholarly activities/research as defined by each program director, culminating in a thesis and a public thesis defense.

Requirements for Master of Science in Dentistry Degrees

Applicants for the Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) degree must complete a Loma Linda University online Application for Admission and a Part I (Application for Admission for the Master of Science in Dentistry [MSD] degree) form.
Applicants must successfully complete all the course requirements of the certificate curriculum, with additional units in research.
A publishable paper and public presentation of the research are required.

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are required to be paid at the time of registration. Students who are covering expenses through private funding may receive a payment plan. A financial aid advisor and financial aid programs are available. International students may be required to pay the first year’s tuition and fees before registration for the first term.

Estimated Student Expenses

The estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Amounts may vary based on a number of factors and are specific to the academic year.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to eligible students. To qualify, most students must be enrolled at least half-time in an aid-eligible program and be taking degree requirements.

Student Life

LLUSD provides a supportive and enriching environment for its students. The Loma Linda University American Student Dental Association (LLU ASDA) serves as the student government, representing the ASDA chapter at regional and national meetings. Class leaders are elected annually to coordinate class events. Students are also invited to serve on school standing committees.

Student Responsibilities

University students are responsible for informing themselves of and satisfactorily meeting all regulations pertinent to registration, matriculation, and graduation. Students must register on or before the dates designated by the Office of University Records. Regular attendance at lectures, clinics, and other assemblies is required.

Academic Performance

Outstanding academic performance is rewarded by publication of the Dean's List each review period. A course requirement may be waived if the applicant has previously taken the course and earned a grade of B or above, or a satisfactory grade.

Grading System

The School of Dentistry uses a specific grading system for all postdoctoral students/residents enrolled in advanced education programs. The grading system includes satisfactory and unsatisfactory grades, with specific requirements for remediation.

Community Service

Community service is a primary objective of the School of Dentistry and an integral part of its clinical activities. The School offers opportunities for students to participate in foreign mission trips to underserved countries, providing dental care to those in need. Funding from organizations like the Children and Families Commission of California supports these efforts.

Technology and Innovation

LLUSD is committed to providing students with access to the latest technology and innovations in dentistry. The Innovation Center provides students with opportunities to gain experience with contemporary equipment and techniques.

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